Cerebellum and Arbor Vitae

The cerebellum is located at the posterior end of the brain and is associated with motor control, balance and coordination. It is only loosely attached to the cerebrum, and dissections of the brain reveal that removing the dura mater often result in the accidental removal of the cerebellum. If you are careful, you can remove the dura and the cerebellum will remain attached.

If the cerebellum is cut in half following the line of the longitudinal suture, the white matter within it can be viewed This area is a branched, tree-like structure called the arbor vitae.